Warning system for the strawberry moth, Aphelia viburniana Fabr., in Romania

The strawberry moth, Aphelia viburniana Fabr. causes significant damage on strawberry plants. Knowing the optimal time to apply treatments for this key pest is of great importance to growers. The objective of this project was to develop a warning system to guide growers when control treatments should be applied. To do this we correlated biological, ecological, and phenological criteria. The warning depended on the biology for each generation of the insect. Warning bulletins were issued at the appearance of the first adults. The first control treatment was applied 5 to 10 days after the warning. The second treatment was needed 10 days after the first. At that time, the adult moths reached the maximum on the flight curve. From an ecological point of view, the degree day accumulation was analysed. The treatment warning was in effect at 155.03 degree days for the overwintering generation, and at 634.43 degree days for the summer generation. Phenologically, the maximum flight curve occurred when the last flowers of Fragaria × ananassa 'Red Gauntlet' bloomed.